Alexander Zverev and Flavio Cobolli contested a blockbuster Roland Garros final on Sunday.
Zverev found himself in a commanding position three hours into the match, leading Cobolli by two sets to one.
Cobolli took the initiative in the fourth set, and Zverev began to struggle physically amid extremely intense conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier.
The physical struggles seemed to ironically calm the German’s nerves, and he broke Cobolli’s serve when the Italian was serving for the match – levelling the fourth set at 5-5.
Upon winning the 10th game of the set, a controversial moment occurred.
Jim Courier questions Alexander Zverev being allowed to receive medical attention from Marcelo Melo
After winning the 10th game, Marcelo Melo – who was initially sat in Zverev’s box – attended to Zverev courtside.
Melo, who has frequently partnered with Zverev in doubles events, appeared to offer the German some medical attention, much to the surprise of Jim Courier.
“This is unprecedented to me,” the four-time Grand Slam champion said while commentating for TNT Sports.
“I have never seen a player be allowed to even engage with another player. Marcelo Melo is not part of the medical staff.
“What are they doing?” Courier exclaimed. “That’s one problem with that, but the biggest issue is… what is Zverev dealing with?”
Zverev received a time violation as a result, and Courier [pictured below] could not help but compare Zverev’s situation with that of Jannik Sinner’s last week.
Sinner began to struggle physically during his second round match against Juan Manuel Cerundolo last week.
The Italian did not receive a medical timeout from the umpire during that match, despite breaching the shot clock limit during his period of physical struggle.
“It’s rich irony that Zverev got a time violation [when feeling discomfort] and Sinner didn’t,” Courier remarked.
The American later added: “This is the first time I have seen Zverev get tired in a match which wasn’t over four hours long, if indeed he is tired.
“It could be the nerves grabbing his muscles, that happens!’
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Mirra Andreeva attends the French Open Men’s Singles final
Mirra Andreeva, who won her first Grand Slam title on Saturday, was pictured in the Court Philippe Chatrier stands watching the drama of Zverev and Cobolli’s contest unfold.
Andreeva, the new world number six, defeated Maja Chwalinska on Saturday to win her first major singles title – quite possibly the first of many.
Andreeva remained incredibly composed during Saturday’s contest, demonstrating immense growth – despite her young age.
“I’ve had dreams, I’ve had a lot of thoughts on how it’s going to happen, if it’s going to happen, when it’s going to happen, where,” said Andreeva after clinching the Parisian title.
“I would say that the feeling in real life is so much better, obviously, than in your dreams.
“It just feels looking at this trophy and realising that this is actually true, and I can call myself a grand slam champion, I guess.”
